If you’re looking for a no-fuss, comforting, and downright delicious meal, Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Simple yet satisfying, this dish brings together wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm Southern hug.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even meal prep, this casserole is easy to throw together, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Super Simple Just 5 ingredients, minimal prep, and straight into the oven.
Comfort Food at Its Best Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Budget-Friendly Uses affordable, everyday pantry staples.
Feeds a Crowd A great option for family dinners or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly Assemble it in advance and bake when ready!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
You won’t believe how much flavor you get with just five simple ingredients!
Ground Beef The hearty base of this casserole, cooked until perfectly browned.
Canned Diced Tomatoes Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
Uncooked White Rice Cooks right in the dish, absorbing all those delicious juices.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection on top.
Cream of Mushroom Soup Brings everything together with a rich and creamy texture.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Beef In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Layer the Ingredients In a greased baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly, followed by the browned beef and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices).
Add the Creamy Base Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the top, spreading it out evenly to cover everything.
Bake Until Tender Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve & Enjoy Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Calories per serving Approx. 400 kcal
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with these sides for an even heartier feast:
- Garlic Bread for a crispy, buttery side.
- Steamed Vegetables like green beans or broccoli for balance.
- Side Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes for extra comfort food goodness.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Use Brown Rice If you prefer, but it may need a little extra liquid.
- Switch the Cheese Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Make it Even Creamier Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or add a splash of milk.
- Store Leftovers Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even chicken works well as a leaner option.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it ahead and bake when ready, or bake it and reheat later.
3. Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
Nope! The rice cooks right in the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
4. Can I add extra veggies?
Yes! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for more texture and flavor.
5. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade béchamel sauce.
6. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream soup and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking. Just thaw and bake/reheat when needed.
8. How do I know when it’s done?
The rice should be tender, and the cheese golden and bubbly. If unsure, poke the center with a fork to check.
9. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid and reduce the cooking time since instant rice cooks faster.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warm.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the ultimate easy, comforting, and delicious dish that fits any occasion. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving classic Southern flavors, this simple casserole delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll be singing its praises!
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern/American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A heartwarming, no-fuss casserole that brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, rice, and a blanket of melted cheddar. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights and evokes a comforting Southern charm.
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and cooked rice. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then layer the remaining 1 cup of cheese as a final topping.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted and begun to brown slightly.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For an extra touch of flavor, season the mixture with a dash of black pepper or your favorite dried herbs before baking.
– If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk with the soups.
– Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg